Zilch named Arsenal’s official payment partner in multi-year deal

Consumer payments platform Zilch has signed a multi-year partnership with Premier League football club Arsenal, becoming the club’s "Official Way To Pay".

As Zilch’s first foray into sports, the global partnership spans both the men’s and women’s teams and will make the company's range of flexible payment options available to Arsenal supporters.

The agreement will also offer Arsenal supporters new and exclusive benefits every time they spend with Zilch, in line with its mission of "making consumers’ money go further".

To kick off the partnership, Zilch is giving £50,000 directly back to Arsenal supporters to spend on Arsenal Direct.

The first 1,000 supporters to purchase an Arsenal product through the club’s online shop after 12pm on 21 November will each receive £50 off when spending £50 or more.

Philip Belamant, co-founder and CEO of Zilch, said: "We have spent the past five years building a customer base of over five million highly engaged users - and we’ve done so organically through the strength of our proposition.

"We are hugely excited as we now embark on our first brand partnership with one of the most recognisable brands in the world, Arsenal.

"The club has a hugely engaged supporter-base, and at a time when sports brands are looking at partners to help bring supporters closer to them and deepen the supporter experience, this partnership aligns perfectly.

"It is a monumental partnership that sees us not only provide a range of ways to pay for Arsenal supporters, but will strengthen their passion for the team they love even more."

It comes as Zilch research shows that 75% of football supporters say being able to buy an official shirt every year makes them feel closer to their team and increases their enjoyment of the sport.

Supporters will also be able to enjoy up to 10% off at Arsenal’s flagship retail space, the Armoury, as well as opportunities to win free tickets to every home game, access exclusive merchandise drops, enjoy premium hospitality, meet players, and take part in stadium tours.

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club, said: "Zilch is a new and exciting proposition with an industry-leading brand that will put our supporters at the heart of everything we want to achieve together.

"Its support and investment will help drive our ambition to win major trophies, and we’re looking forward to bringing new ways for our global Arsenal family to feel even closer to the club."